Possible Complications

MRIs can be harmful if you have metal inside your body such as joint replacements or pacemaker. Make sure your doctor knows of any internal metal before the test. Some may also have an allergic reaction to the contrast dye. Talk to your doctor about any allergies you have or if you have liver or kidney problems. These may make it difficult for your body to get rid of the contrast.

If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, talk to your doctor before the MRI scan about whether an MRI scan is right for you.

What to Expect

Prior to test

Leading up to the test:

Try to schedule the test between days 5 and 15 of your menstrual cycle. This is a time when the breast tissue is less dense.

If your doctor prescribes a sedative:

Arrange for a ride home.

Take the sedative 1-2 hours before the exam, or as directed.

Once at the MRI center:

You will be asked about the following:

Medical and surgical history

Pregnancy

Allergies

Other conditions that you may have—If your MRI involves contrast material, your doctor will ask about the health of your kidneys. There is a risk of complications in people who have kidney disease and receive contrast material.

You will be asked if you have something in your body that would interfere with or make it so you cannot have an MRI, such as:

Metal fragments in your eyes or in any other part of your body (Tell your doctor if your work involves metal filings or particles.)

Implanted port device

Metal plate, pins, screws, or surgical staples

Metal clips from aneurysm repair

Retained bullets

Any other large metal objects in your body (Tooth fillings and braces are usually fine.)

You will remove any metal objects (such as jewelry, hearing aids, glasses).

An
x-ray
may be taken to see if there are any metal objects in your body.

You may be:

Given earplugs or headphones to wear (The MRI machine makes a loud banging noise.)

Allowed to have a family member or friend with you during the test

Description of the Test

You will lie face down on your stomach on a moveable bed. The bed will slide into a large, cylindrical magnet. Your breasts will hang into cushioned openings. You may be hooked up to monitors. These monitors will track your pulse, heart rate, and breathing. The technician will be in another room and give you directions via an intercom. A magnetic field will be produced to generate three-dimensional images of your breast tissue. As this happens, you will hear loud banging noises.

The MRI may require contrast dye to make the pictures better. In this case, you will receive an IV in your hand or arm. Contrast material will be injected through the IV.

After the Test

You will need to wait until the images are examined. In some cases, the technician may need to take more images.

If you took a sedative, do not drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions until the sedative wears off completely.

If you are
breastfeeding
and receive a contrast dye, you and your doctor should discuss when you should start breastfeeding again. Information available has not found any ill effects to a baby if a mother has had contrast dye.

How Long Will It Take?

About 1-½ hours

Will It Hurt?

No

Results

The MRI images will be sent to a radiologist. Your doctor will receive the report and talk to you about the results.

Call Your Doctor

After the test, call your doctor if any of the following occurs:

Worsening of your symptoms

Any allergic or abnormal symptoms, like a rash or swelling if you were injected with contrast dye

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.